Ray Merle Baker passed away at the Golden Living Center in Columbus on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the age of 99.

Ray was born on November 2, 1915 to Bert and Myrtle Preston Baker in Farnam NE. He attended school and grew up on a family farm in rural Farnam.

Ray married Dorothy Marie Chaney in Farnam NE. He was a member of the Columbus Police Department from 1950 to 1960 when he resigned and moved to Lincoln, NE. Ray enjoyed driving for Santa Fe, and Greyhound bus lines for 30 years across the states until he retired.

Ray married Eleanor Mahlin Krumland on May 11th, 2000 and resided in Columbus until his death.

Ray enjoyed traveling with Eleanor to the Northwest and the Western part of the United States as well as traveling to Texas and Missouri. It was on one of these trips that Ray and Eleanor got married in Las Vegas on May 12th, 2000.

He is survived by: stepchildren Ginger Zabka of Santee CA, Nancy (Herbert) Schultz of Columbus, Melvin (Susan) Mahlin of Columbus, Onno J.(Joyce) Mahlin of Idaho Falls ID, 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren, as well as nephews Cecil (Rosie) Baker, Gary (Debbie) Baker of North Platte: Jim (Pat) Baker of Farnam and a niece Sherry (Merle) Lind of North Platte.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Eleanor, first wife, Dorothy, son, Thomas, and one brother Lawrence.